DreamBoat is a new children’s brand creating storybooks, pyjamas and other products from one playful world. We are commissioning an illustrator to create the finished artwork and page layouts for 'Room Service in Miami'.
Room Service in Miami is a short picture book that follows a toy tiger’s adventures on holiday in 1980s Miami. It is the first book of our new collection Big Cats, Big Dreams.
The artistic direction has already been defined. We will provide a complete working draft, including AI-generated reference images establishing the characters, compositions, colour palette, atmosphere and page layouts that are very close to the intended final result.
We are looking for someone who can recreate this visual world through original, human-created illustrations, working closely to the supplied references. This is a commission to execute and refine an established creative direction. Generative AI may be used to support research or planning, but the finished illustrations must be drawn or painted by the illustrator.
The aesthetic combines expressive pen-and-ink detail and watercolour texture with nostalgic Miami glamour: pastel hotels, palm trees, retro props and playful colour accents. Tiger is cool, self-assured and a bit full of himself. He often strikes poses that convey a bit of swagger. His proportions and personality should be consistent throughout. Pages range from standalone spot illustrations and washed-out watercolour vignettes to full-bleed scenes and artwork framed by white borders.
The commission includes:
- Creating the illustrations for 12 double-page spreads, plus the front and back covers.
- Following the supplied character references, compositions and visual direction closely, while refining anatomy, perspective, proportions and consistency.
- Completing the book’s page layouts, combining illustrations with the supplied story text.
- Following DreamBoat’s brand guidelines, fonts and colour palette, allowing appropriate space for text, gutters, trim and bleed.
- Sharing initial sketches and colour samples for approval, then incorporating feedback at agreed review stages.
- Delivering print-ready PDFs, packaged editable Adobe Illustrator and/or InDesign layout files, and all original layered artwork files.
- Supplying individual illustrations as high-resolution files, with transparent PNGs for standalone motifs and editable vector files for any vector elements. Watercolour artwork may be supplied as high-resolution raster artwork to preserve its texture.
- Handing over all original physical illustrations to DreamBoat Studio Ltd where artwork is drawn or painted on paper or another physical medium, alongside high-resolution digital scans.
Fee, rights and credit
The fixed fee for the complete commission is £1,040, equivalent to 6½ eight-hour days at £20 per hour. This includes the illustrations, covers, page layouts, agreed revisions and final file delivery. If it takes you less time, you still get the full fee.
DreamBoat Studio Ltd will acquire all copyright and transferable rights in the finished commissioned illustrations and designs, worldwide and in perpetuity, for all uses. These terms, together with ownership and handover of any original physical artwork, will be set out in a short written agreement before work begins.
The selected illustrator will be credited on the front cover.
Skills and experience required
This opportunity is suitable for an entry-level illustrator, including a student or recent graduate with a strong relevant portfolio. Previous published-book experience is welcome but not essential.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong drawing skills, particularly character illustration, expressive poses, anatomy, perspective and proportion.
- Confidence creating pen-and-ink and watercolour effects through traditional or hand-drawn digital techniques.
- The ability to maintain consistent characters across different poses, scenes, scales and lighting conditions.
- A portfolio showing both detailed scenes and standalone illustrations, ideally including animals, people, interiors, food or objects.
- A good eye for composition, colour, typography and the relationship between illustrations and text.
- Proficiency in suitable illustration software and Adobe Illustrator and/or InDesign for editable layouts and print preparation.
- An understanding of high-resolution artwork, colour management, bleed and print-ready files.
- Attention to detail, clear communication and the ability to follow a defined brief and respond constructively to feedback.
How to Apply
Please send a short introduction, a portfolio link and your availability to [email protected]. Highlight examples that best demonstrate the style and skills described above.
A shortlist of candidates will be given access to an online mood board and then invited to produce a paid sample.
The final candidate will be chosen by Wednesday 4 November.
Application deadline: Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Provisional final delivery deadline: Monday 7 December 2026, with milestones agreed at the outset.
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].